Lilac in Paris

Vacation photos

I'm Home

Thoughts on the last 10 days. Mom and I, had a wonderful experience, together. I love Europe. London was better than I thought it was going to be. They preserved and are proud of their history, beautiful churches and building. The royal influence is everywhere, surprisingly. But I think the English like it that way. They are very friendly, and warm. I would love to go back, and spend a week there. Of course, I would love to tour all of the United Kingdom. Germany. I wasn't thrilled with it. I loved the Castles, and they are loaded with them. I want to go inside next time, but the weather was dreary and cold, exactly how I pictured Germany. People were fine. But abrupt. And it was hard to get a connection with them, because of the language. Austria. The natural beauty is spectacular. The weather helped, it was sunny and warm. One minute your driving , flat, and then bam mountains everywhere. I like to be in them. Italy was exciting. Very hot, and the people were soo good looking, No kidding. Venice was full of history and exciting to walk the streets. I even enjoyed Verona. The villas along the river, looked just like you imagine Italy looking. I bet Rome is something to see. Switzerland was surprising to me. It was the only country we had to have our passports available. Not in the European Union also. They accept Euros, but give back Franks. But the mountains and lakes are stunning. I don't think they have much of a summer, but otherwise, I would go back. I enjoyed going up the mountains in a tram,, and hiking them,,, exhausting but exhilarating. The cowbells need to go,, they are loud in the morning. France. I don't know why I love France so much. But I do. Je'taime Paris. the history, The architecture, I love Everything, except the food. sorry,, I'm still an American Boy. I like our hot dogs and hamburgers and pizza. I have another furlo in October. So I'm looking for a place to go, Maybe I'll go back to one of these places again,,,, London is definitely a possibility,, by myself this time...

Hello European Continent

Hello There,

Sorry for the long delay, but we traveled far and wide yesterday and it was a late night. We left England via ferry out of Dover, saw the white cliffs, and travelled over the English Channel to Calais, France. Back to driving on the right side (correct side ) but into foreign language territory. French, German and Dutch. German is very hard to understand, much more so than French. It sounds like someone clearing their throat, very gutteral.
Drove thru France on our bus to Brussels. Just before the German border we stopped for a much needed bathroom and leg break. Mom has met an Australian couple whom she enjoys and who, along with her have become the rebels of the group. They have already been scolded by our tour guide. They chat so much together that Mom has decided that she needs to learn about Australia, ratther than listening to our tour guide about the countries we are currently in. Case in point. Bathrooms cost money, they are not free. Dont tell her that, she thinks she can just wink her eye at the attendant and not pay, becuase she didnt have money on her. The man spoke to her in German, she didnt understand him, and had to go, so she winked and proceeded into the loo. I had to take care of him, on my turn to the urinal! They laughed about this incident for at least an hour, causing everyone else on the bus to stare or possibly glare, I dunno , I was too busy trying to ignore them and snap photos out of the windows.
Brussels has a beautiful square, where there are 2 palaces and a beautiful church, exquisite architecture, but thats it. I wasnt impressed. It felt like a big city and nothing more.

Rhine River cruise. This I enjoyed. Cold weather on the water, especially up top, but I was prepared. I had a warm sweater, and a coat, along with my winter cap. Many, many castles dot along the top, looking down on the Rhine, some occupied, some not. All interesting. I wish we were able to go inside. We were on the river for about 2 hrs. Then off Hamburg, were we are at now. Early morning tomorrow, we have to be up at 06:00 and onto the bus by 07:30, and off to Lucerne,, more later
ps the Euro is killing us! ITs about 1 to 1:50, so for every hundred i spend its costing me $150.00, yikes,,, we are running out of money fast. We need donations to get home, western union us soon . lol
P.s.s. unedited pictures are up on Flickr, no criticisms, they are unedited! That means you Bill and Sue!

Europe -7 countries

Mom has chosen, and we have picked our furlos at the OEMC. Its May! Mothers Day, how perfect. England, Belgium, Germany, Austria, Italy, Sweden, and France. Our own Amazing Race. Mom is so excited, I havent seen her like this in a longtime. Of course I am too,, I can't wait to show her Notre Dame. We got an incredible deal. With the economy so bad everywhere, we are walking away with over a thousand dollars, in discounts. Now all thats left is the packing.
I will definitely be taking lots of pictures, and I think I'm going to treat myself to a digital movie camera also,, I think it would be very nice to have video of Mom there,,here is a link to the Tour company we are going thru. She picked this tour, because she can't walk long distances and was afraid the other ones, she would be in pain,, ,,, M

ps,, I think we will be in Paris on Mothers Day, isn't that incredible, to go tomass at Notre Dame on Mothers Day, with my Mother would make everything perfect.

Our Last Summer

Dear Sue

The summer air was soft and warm
The feeling right, the Paris night.
Did it's best to please us
And strolling down the Elysee
We had a drink in each cafe
I can still recall our last summer
I still see it all
Walks along the Seine,
laughing in the rain
Our last summer
Memories that remain
We made our way along the river
And we sat down in the grass
By the Eiffel tower
I can still recall our last summer
I still see it all
In the tourist jam,
round the Notre Dame
Our last summer
Walking hand in hand Paris restaurants
Our last summer
Morning croissants
Living for the day, worries far away
Last summer

When I first heard this song in Mamma Mia , I couldn't help but think of our trip to France Last Summer. And as we come up to that One year anniversary, my mind is flooded with those memories.
Brian

Silvie
Bien que nous avons eu des problèmes, j'ai eu toujours un temps merveilleux et vous aime beaucoup. Je souhaite que nous pourrions le faire encore somtime, si non, j'ai toujours nos mémoires,,,,,
Sebastien

The Hunchback of Notre Dame

When I was in Paris with Sue. I could not get some Disney songs out of my head. Little Town (Little town full of little people, waking up to say,,,, bonjour) from Beauty and the Beast, and this one, from Hunchback. Especially climbing the Steps of Notre Dame. I would sing a line and Sue would look at my like I was crazy. Hunchback was before her kids time. They are too young to have seen Hunchback. Nor does she have the same kind of Mother I do,, Mom and I went to the drive in together to see this, no kids in sight! We do enjoy the Musicals. And The music in this show is some of my favorite music from anything from Disney. I secretly felt an affinity with Quasi. Anyway, This song was playing in my head the whole time climbing the stairs and looking at the bell. Its now become a part of my memory of Notre Dame.
p.s 2 cameos appear in this,the carpet from Aladdin and Belle from Beauty and the Beast! Look Closely!

Notre Dame

Inside the Great Cathedral, Paris, September 2007. This had a profound impact on me. They play Ave Maria inside constantly. And they still have mass. I was there for about 5 hrs, It's a really beautiful cathedral. And the whole time I was there my Mother was on my mind and in my heart. It actually made me homesick. I lit several candles for her there,,,,,,, M

Europe

The Twins and I, having started planning our new vacation for this year. They want to go to England and Scotland. While I don't mind that suggesting, I'm think of more. I think it would be nice to travel to a few countries, like France ( at least for 1 day, I loved Paris), and Italy. I saw in a travel magazine, some European tours, where we would travel to 4 or 5 countries. The one that really caught my eye, was London to Rome. I thought this might be nice, because we could have a bit of everything. If I or they, find that they really really like a certain country, then we could always come back to it, another time. Why not get a wonderful taste of Europe. Money is really tight. Overtime is almost non existent. So fingers crossed. Prayers offered. That's my side. The Twins of course have their part. Excellent grades and good behavior..... Max

Welcome

My New travel blog!. The old one didnt have as much ability for as much content as this one does. Hope everyone enjoys it. This is going to be my accounts of all my trips from all over the World. Since it's new. I will be reminiscing on old trips. Here is a link to my old blog.

http://blogs.bootsnall.com/BGyrion/